Steel Factory Accused Of Emitting ‘Dangerous Smoke’

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Smoke emitted from a steel company in Ajose community, Ogijo in Sagamu area of Ogun State has become unbearable for them as they have now cried out to the state government to save them from being choked to death.

Chairman, Ajose Community Development Association, Mr. Akanni Jamiu said the steel company within the community was owned by Indians, African Founderies Ltd, and that the smoke had caused the people sickness as they continued to breathe in the “dangerous smoke” every day.

“The smoke from the chimney of the company always blows across the community and it is affecting our health, Jamiu said.

“The tunnel meant for leading the smoke out into the air is faulty, so the smoke blows directly into our homes.”

He said the pollution had been going on for about four years of the company’s inception and had caused health challenges to the residents.

Another community leader, Alhaji Fatai Shekoni, said, “People in Ogijo are really bothered about the smoke because this is a serious health concern for us all.

“If you come here as early as 7am, you will see things for yourself. As I speak to you now, I have serous cough arising from the company’s smoke.

“I had to send my wife and children to Lagos so they will not be victims of Asthma and Tuberculosis. I really want the government to look into this.”

Shekoni said after they complained to the company, its officials organised medical test for the residents, but had refused to give them the result months after the test.

“They took our blood sample after a series of health complaints about two years ago and they have refused to show us the results.

“By the time we went to another hospital, we discovered that many of us had developed asthma, chronic cough and other forms of diseases.”

Another resident said, “The smoke in the factory was supposed to go through the chimney but it does not, it blows directly into the atmosphere enveloping the whole town in complete darkness during the day.

“A visitor to the community might think it is a total eclipse of the sun, but to us residents of Ajose, it is an everyday thing.”

In his response, head of the company’s administration, Mr. Michael Aderemi, said the company was committed to finding a lasting solution to the menace.

“Of all the 26 steel companies in Ogijo, we are the only company that has installed a shredding machine that is fully functional to control pollution, Aderemi said.

“Also installed is air pollution machine which controls all the air pollutants by removing them.

“You see, everyone cannot be satisfied and that is the major challenge we have now. In line with our Corporate Social Responsibility, we have presented to the community a functional borehole and a cheque of N350,000 to assist the community repair its transformer.

“At present, 70 per cent of our workers are from the community.”